“The homeless are our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers. We need to protect our community.”
— Steve Huston

NEST began in response to several freezing deaths on the streets of Nome. Creating a shelter was a grassroots effort to prevent exposure related death by providing a warm, safe place to sleep for anyone in need. With no operating funds, an entirely volunteer staff, and donated space in a local church, NEST opened its doors on nights when the weather was predicted to reach -10 F, or -20 F wind-chill, the temperature zone of highest risk of exposure-related death.  Funded through state and federal grant, local donations and support from the City of Nome, the shelter now operates for six of the coldest months of the year.  In addition, supporting housing and homeless prevention efforts assist individuals and families in finding permanent solutions to their homelessness. ​

NEST
Physical Location: The Karmun Center
​(The Nazarene Church: corner of 2nd Ave. and Division St.)
Mailing Address: PO Box 98, Nome, AK 99762
Phone: (907) 443-5259
NEST Director: Shoni Evans, sevans@nomecc.org